Premium
Modulating the 0D/2D Interface of Hybrid Semiconductors for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Performances
Author(s) -
Li Faying,
Benetti Daniele,
Zhang Min,
Feng Jinhui,
Wei Qin,
Rosei Federico
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
small methods
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.66
H-Index - 46
ISSN - 2366-9608
DOI - 10.1002/smtd.202100109
Subject(s) - heterojunction , photocurrent , materials science , semiconductor , quantum dot , optoelectronics , chalcogenide , nanotechnology , charge carrier , absorption (acoustics) , composite material
Abstract Photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar‐driven hydrogen production is a promising route to convert solar energy into chemical energy using semiconductors as active materials. However, the performance is still far from satisfactory due to a limited absorption range and rapid charge recombination. Compared to 3D semiconductors, 0D/2D nanohybrids may exhibit better PEC performance, due to the formation of an intimate interface between the two semiconductors that can inhibit carrier recombination. Herein, a photoelectrode based on a 0D/2D heterojunction is constructed by 0D metal chalcogenide quantum dots (QDs) and hierarchical 2D Zn‐MoS 2 nanosheets (NSs). The effect of PbS, CdS, and their composite PbS@CdS QDs is analyzed by depositing them onto Zn‐MoS 2 NSs using an in situ process. This distinctive heterojunction can leverage the light harvesting capabilities of QDs with the catalytic performance of Zn‐MoS 2 . Compared to Zn‐MoS 2 , Zn‐MoS 2 /PbS, and Zn‐MoS 2 /CdS, the obtained 0D/2D heterostructure based on the composite Zn‐MoS 2 /PbS@CdS has a significantly enhanced photocurrent. The synergistic effect between 0D/2D heterojunction, the extended absorption range of QDs, and the strong coupling and band alignment between them lead to superior solar‐driven PEC performance. This work can provide a new platform to construct multifunctional 0D/2D nanohybrids for optoelectronic applications, not limited to PEC devices.